HOUSTON - The University of Houston Men's Basketball team took its first step of the 2012-13 season with the start of practice Friday evening inside Hofheinz Pavilion.

The Cougars worked out for several hours inside the arena in preparation for the 67th season of college basketball at the University. Houston opens the season with its exhibition opener at 7 p.m., Nov. 6. From there, the team opens the regular season when it plays host to Florida A&M at noon, Nov. 9, in the first ever meeting against the Rattlers.

"The first day of practice is always special. I was happy with the energy that our players had," third-year head coach James Dickey said. "We had a lot of focus on defense and rebounding. Our communication was good, and we played with great enthusiasm. We ended with a really good workout,

Prior to the start of practice, Dickey and several student-athletes spoke with members of the local media.

ABOUT THE COUGARS
Under the leadership of Dickey and his coaching staff, the Cougars signed one of the nation's elite recruiting classes. This highly heralded group is ranked among the top 25 classes by three national media organizations.

As the program prepares to move into the BIG EAST Conference for the 2013-14 season, these talented newcomers will play key roles in the Cougars' success in, arguably, the best basketball conference in the country.

With the addition of national recruit Danuel House, the Cougars will have three recent members of the ESPNU 100. House joins sophomores and 2012 Conference USA All-Freshman Team members TaShawn Thomas and Joseph Young.

MEN'S BASKETBALL SEASON TICKETS AND PARKING
Men's Basketball season tickets are now on sale in the Athletics Ticket Office. Fans who purchase season tickets save almost 30 percent off the single-game cost with prices starting as low as $135 each.

With the Cougars' move to the BIG EAST Conference and a planned $40 million renovation of Hofheinz Pavilion, fans are encouraged to purchase their season tickets early. Premium seating options in the new facility will be given first to those fans with a history of purchasing season tickets.

"We will be loyal to those fans who have teamed with us as season-ticket holders," Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades said. "We must and will remember those fans who stood with us from the beginning as premium seating options are distributed."

To purchase season tickets, fans can call 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647) or 877-COUGAR-5 (268-4275) or visit the Athletics Ticket Office, located on the first floor of the Athletics/Alumni Center from 8 a.m., to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by online at UHCougars.com.

Fans can buy season tickets 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by clicking the red and white Tickets tab at UHCougars.com and following the appropriate links or by clicking here.

To secure parking spaces and to support student-athlete scholarships through Cougar Pride for the upcoming season, fans should contact Cougar Pride at 713-743-GOUH or email cougarpride@uh.edu. Fans also can visit UHCougars.com and click the Cougar Pride tab for more information or click here.